I’m looking for some information on what the best direct composite veneers technique is when it comes to temporaries. I’m a dental assistant and the doctor I work for just recently really started doing a lot of cosmetic work. The problem is, he’s got us making the temps just like we do for crowns- by taking an impression and then using the temporary crown material. The end result is that the teeth are all interconnected and, to be blunt, it looks bad. They’re mismatched, clunky, and chunky. I have yet to figure out if there’s even a way to make it look ok, let alone look good. I feel so bad when patients look at the temps I make because they’re spending thousands of dollars for porcelain veneers and they leave their visit with us looking like they’ve got a huge set of false teeth. I almost hate to show them at the end because they always look so shocked and sad. Yes, I remind them that they’re only temporary, but it doesn’t really help. I’m researching direct composite veneers techniques for temporaries in the hopes that I can find something the doctor can efficiently use, so we can send people away with a smile, even if they are just in temps. I’m very hopeful that, if I find something good, I can pitch to the doctor and he’ll go for it.

Thank you,

Anonymous Assistant in Indiana

Dear Anonymous Assistant,

Kudos to you for looking into options that will help raise your office’s standard of care. You’re right- patients do feel dejected when they see a crummy set of temporaries, even if the know they’ll only be in them for a week or two. They still have to go to work and social engagements during this time period, and they should feel good about the way they look. Moreover, disappointment with the temporaries can give them a bad feeling about the procedure overall, so they may worry about the final results or even reject the finished porcelain restorations because of a bad experience with the temps.

Best Direct Composite Veneers Technique for Temporaries

Going with direct resin is a great choice and allows the doctor greater control over the finished results, but doing temps like this can be time-consuming without the right tools and experience. Using a matrix or a form can help speed up the process and improve aesthetics. Visit the Uveneer video page to see a direct composite veneers technique that involves a matrix for temporary restorations. With a skilled assistant by his side, a knowledgeable cosmetic dentist could have temps done in a matter of minutes. Best of luck to you.